Gemma Annan

Gemma Annan, GVI intern volunteer 06/05/2011 - 17/06/2011

I volunteered at Daktari for 6 weeks in 2011 and I absolutely fell in love with the project and the people that run it. I was in South Africa for a total of 9 months on that trip and my 6 weeks at Daktari hold some of my most precious memories. Caring for rescued injured wildlife and teaching local children about the importance of wildlife was an incredible opportunity. During my time at Daktari I was lucky to assist on taking 10 of the local children to Kruger Park on a day trip offered by Daktari as a reward to 10 of the hardest workers to be on project. The trip was one I will always treasure; I remember jumping out of my seat when we saw a wild cheetah and all the children wanted to see was a lion! The children learned a lot from seeing their local wildlife in the flesh as realistically they do not have the opportunity to visit such places; if not for Daktari who knows if they'd ever see wild cheetah, elephants or ostrich?!

My other great experiences include; creating enrichment's for the mongoose and meerkats, listening to wild jackals and owls in bed, and getting up extra early some mornings to 'run' around the small park surrounding the base with 2 of my closest friends on project.

The experience given to me at Daktari has helped me go on to become a base manager on an elephant rehabilitation project in Thailand; it gave me leadership and teaching skills as well as increasing my wildlife and tracking knowledge. If Daktari offered paid positions I'd be fighting to work there, the atmosphere and family vibe made me feel welcome and appreciated. I'd urge anyone wanting to gain some wildlife or teaching experience or who just wants to make a difference to give it a go!